Sister Sylvia Strahler Reports on Rehabilitation in Pakistan

Sister Sylvia Strahler, our District Coordinator in Pakistan, reports that rehabilitation for the flood victims is ongoing, sharing, “The needs are overwhelming.” Our Sisters are conducting health camps, helping to construct houses, and distributing warm clothes. We also have partnered with an organization to supply goats to the affected families. Please continue to pray for the flood victims and all those trying to help them.

At our North American Headquarters in Philadelphia, our Sisters hosted the women of Interim House, the residential program for women in recovery from addictions to drugs and alcohol, for their annual Christmas gathering. Sisters Jean Schulties and Gertrude Provost have ministered at Interim House for many years, facilitating a mandatory weekly course based on the book, “Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom.”

We congratulate our new elected leaders in South India: Sister Josita Myladiyil, District Coordinator in South India, and Sister Lilly Joseph Nellikunnel, Assistant District Coordinator. The handing-over ritual took place on December 9th in Kottayam. Special thanks to Sister Joan Thazhathel, who has completed her term as District Coordinator.

Three graduates from Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, recently visited our Sisters who have served in Pakistan and now live in Philadelphia. Clara Pasha and her two friends all expressed profound appreciation for the education and training they received from our Sisters. Clara, 70, lives in Islamabad and works with NGOs and international organizations; her friends live in the U.S. “I am so proud to be a graduate of Holy Family,” Clara said. A recipient of Pakistan’s “Pride of Performance” award, Clara served as Nursing Advisor for the Pakistan government under President Musharref, and was a WHO Coordinator in Pakistan for 11 years.